Nehemiah 7 15

Nehemiah 7:15 kjv

The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

Nehemiah 7:15 nkjv

the sons of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight;

Nehemiah 7:15 niv

of Binnui ? 648

Nehemiah 7:15 esv

The sons of Binnui, 648.

Nehemiah 7:15 nlt

The family of Bani ? 648

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 15 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:15 specifically records the count of a particular family group: "The sons of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight." This verse is part of a comprehensive list of those who returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. It details the precise number of individuals within the family or clan descended from Binnui, contributing to the re-establishment of the post-exilic Jewish community in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions.

Nehemiah 7 15 Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 serves as a detailed registry of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to Judah, primarily mirroring the list found in Ezra chapter 2. Following the completion of the wall around Jerusalem, Nehemiah sought to reorganize the city's inhabitants, establish a proper administrative structure, and confirm the identity and lineage of the returnees. This census was crucial for several reasons: to ensure accurate allocation of housing and resources, to confirm who had legitimate claims to land, to ascertain ritual purity for temple service, and to establish the authenticity of their Israelite heritage. Historically, these lists cemented the identity of the post-exilic community, grounding them in the covenant people of God and affirming the continuity of their lineage despite seventy years of exile. The emphasis on families and specific numbers underscores the precision of God's providential care in preserving a remnant to fulfill His promises concerning the land and the people.

Nehemiah 7 15 Word analysis

• The sons of:

  • Hebrew: בְּנֵי (bə·nê)
  • Meaning: "sons of," "descendants of," "members of a household/clan."
  • Significance: This phrase is foundational for identifying lineage and tribal belonging in ancient Israelite society. It points to a collective identity rooted in shared ancestry rather than merely individual existence. The continuity of "sons of" emphasizes the perpetuation of the family unit across generations, vital for inheriting promises and maintaining tribal distinctions.

• Binnui:

  • Hebrew: בִּנּוּי (bin·nūy)
  • Meaning: A proper personal or clan name, likely meaning "built" or "my building."
  • Significance: "Binnui" designates a specific family or clan head among those who returned. The name itself suggests "building" or "construction," which might hold subtle theological resonance in the context of rebuilding Jerusalem. Notably, some textual variations exist across parallel lists (e.g., Ezra 2:10 mentions "Bani" with a slightly different number), which highlights the meticulous but sometimes variant nature of ancient record-keeping and potentially points to different subgroups or enumerations at various times. The inclusion of his name validates the presence and contribution of his family to the returning remnant.

• six hundred forty-eight:

  • Hebrew: שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמֹנָה (šêš mê·ʾō·wṯ ʾar·bā·ʿîm ū·šmō·nāh)
  • Meaning: The precise numerical count of the men in Binnui's family.
  • Significance: The exactness of the number indicates a formal census or reliable registration rather than a mere estimation. This precision was crucial for logistical purposes (e.g., land allocation, food distribution) and religious purity (e.g., identifying Levites for temple service). The specific number, while appearing mundane, serves as a testament to God's faithful preservation of a tangible remnant from exile, affirming the fulfillment of prophetic declarations regarding their return and re-establishment.

• The sons of Binnui:

  • This phrase unequivocally identifies a specific family or clan contributing to the restoration efforts. In a culture deeply rooted in tribal and familial identity, this collective designation confirmed their place within the returned community. It signifies their continued adherence to the covenant God made with Israel, ensuring that their lineage and rights were properly recognized in the post-exilic society.

• The sons of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight:

  • This complete statement within the list functions as an entry in God's ledger of faithfulness. It combines lineage and numerical strength, presenting concrete evidence of the surviving Israelite remnant. The numerical data not only allowed for effective community organization and re-settlement but also served as a visible testament to divine providence—that despite severe judgment through exile, God had maintained and brought back a specific, accountable group of His people. This detail underscores God's meticulous care for His covenant people, validating their identity and their integral role in the unfolding divine plan for restoration.

Nehemiah 7 15 Bonus section

• Significance of Biblical Genealogies: Lists such as this are not arbitrary but establish the legitimacy of lineage, crucial for roles (e.g., priesthood), inheritance of land, and membership within the covenant community. They demonstrate continuity across generations and validate God's precise governance in human history.
• Divine Faithfulness Demonstrated: The return from exile and the precise counting of families underscore God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises (Jer 29:10-14; Ezek 36:24). Despite their failures leading to exile, God preserved a remnant and orchestrated their return.
• Foundational for Community Building: Beyond identity, these numbers were essential for rebuilding civil society, allocating land and duties, and re-establishing temple worship. It was a tangible demonstration of God gathering His scattered sheep.

Nehemiah 7 15 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:15, as an integral part of a comprehensive genealogical record, transcends being merely a numerical entry. It serves as a profound testimony to the meticulous faithfulness of God. In a historical period defined by immense displacement and loss, the very existence of such precise records of returning families like Binnui’s underscored the re-establishment of a community, an identity, and a spiritual purpose. This verse emphasizes the literal fulfillment of prophetic promises for a remnant to return, highlighting God's commitment to His covenant with Israel, ensuring the lineage and presence of those through whom His ultimate redemptive plans would unfold. It reflects both the practical necessity of civic reorganization and the theological significance of a divinely preserved people.